Sibelius - Symphony No.5

Cannes Classical Award; Gramophone Award; Penguin Guide 3 stars.

Jean Sibelius's Symphony No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 82, is one of his most beloved works. Composed during World War I, it underwent several revisions before its final version was completed in 1919. The symphony is known for its thematic richness and structural complexity, featuring an initial version with four movements that later condensed into three. Sibelius's meticulous revisions were driven by his desire for a more vivid and human form. This album includes the rarely heard original 1915 version, offering a fascinating glimpse into the symphony's evolution.